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2018 Subaru WRX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru WRX highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Spacious cabin with excellent visibility
  • Fun and engaging handling
  • Standard full-time all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Interior quality falls short of competitors
  • Rougher ride than competitors, especially with the STI
  • Lots of wind and road noise

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 22 highway, 18 combined

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The AWD 2018 Subaru WRX is a roomy and fun compact sedan

The 2018 Subaru WRX is a roomy and fun AWD sedan. It combines excellent passenger space, all-year-round usability, and sharp handling in a unique package. For peak performance, there's the more aggressive 2018 WRX STI, which adds power and performance at the cost of some civility around town. For 2018, the WRX received a refresh that included updates to its looks, handling, and sound insulation, along with a revised front crash structure and minor tweaks to driver aids for models equipped with an automatic transmission.

Even with the suspension and sound-deadening updates, the WRX remains a bit more noisy, and the ride a bit less comfortable, than competitors. The WRX’s technology options were acceptable for 2018, but Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ were not available. Competitors like the 2018 Honda Civic Si and 2018 Volkswagen GTI offer a bit more refinement or a few additional features but aren’t as roomy and lack all-wheel drive.

All Subaru WRX years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru WRX generation from 2015 to 2025

What is new for the 2018 Subaru WRX?

  • The WRX is available in a new trim called the STI Type RA.
  • WRX trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
  • Memory Seat(s), Kicker Speaker System, and 8508 features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The STI Limited trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Smart Key and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.

2018 Subaru WRX trims

Curious how Subaru WRX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 268-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • View our Subaru WRX inventory

Premium:

Limited:

STI:

STI Limited:

STI Type RA:

  • Includes all features available on the STI Limited
  • 310-hp, 290-lb-ft of torque 2.5L

Subaru WRX photos

What We Like

Fun: Since Subaru launched the WRX, it’s had a reputation for being an entertaining all-wheel-drive car. With up to 305 horsepower in the WRX STI, responsive steering and sharp handling, the WRX is a great companion on a twisty road.

Practical: The WRX offers excellent interior room, with space for child safety seats and even adults in the back row, and it’s easy to get in and out of. The trunk is a bit tight but can be expanded thanks to the folding split rear seat.

All-wheel drive: AWD isn’t uncommon on high-dollar, high-performance cars, but among affordable sporty options it’s much more rare. Subaru’s full-time AWD system comes standard on the WRX and helps with handling and acceleration as well as winter driving.

What Needs Improvement

Interior quality: While it feels roomy and open inside, the WRX’s cabin lags behind competitors in terms of noise and the quality of materials. The WRX is worth considering for its performance, but it makes some compromises when it comes to fit and finish.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

6 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru WRX an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru WRX 39th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX features and specs

Curious how Subaru WRX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

STI 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Kicker Speaker System
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

305

Torque (ft-lbs)

290

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.9

Wheelbase

104.3"

Overall length

180.9"

Width

70.7"

Height

58.1"

Leg room

F 43.3"/R 35.4"

Head room

F 39.8"/R 37.1"

Front tires

P245/35WR19

Rear tires

P245/35WR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2018 Subaru WRX FAQ

Subaru WRX articles

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